Saturday, March 15, 2025

WE Unite, Futures Bright!


Fair Frame



 "WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society" – that's the theme for Women's Month, and it really made me think. It's not just about celebrating women, but about how everyone needs to work together. The "WE" part is super important. It's like saying, "Hey, this isn't just a women's problem." It's a problem for all of us.

I used to think gender equality was just about women getting the same jobs as men. But it's way bigger than that. It's about making sure everyone feels like they belong. If women don't have equal chances, then society misses out on their ideas and talents. It's like trying to build a house with only half the bricks. It just won't work.   


What I also learned is that not all women have the same experiences. Some women face even more challenges because of their race, or where they come from, or if they have a disability. So, being inclusive means understanding those differences and making sure everyone has a fair shot.



This theme isn't just words. We need to actually do stuff. We need to speak up when we see something unfair, and support policies that promote equality. It’s about building a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. It's about remembering that true strength comes from unity, and that we're all in this together..   


References:

<https://www.cartooningforpeace.org/en/dessinateurs/biz/>

<https://stock.adobe.com/ph/images/lots-of-people-on-pride-parade-with-lgbt-rainbow-flag-pride-month-illustration-generative-ai/604442775>

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Let's explore the vibrant culture of Vigan!

Kannawidan Ilocos festival is the commemoration of the foundation of the province of Ilocos Sur. This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as they are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818.

It is the Ilocanos’ way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the province, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos.

It is a tradition that during the opening of the festival, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around Vigan City. DepEd Officials of the province usually join the mass and the procession. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos.

The festival pays more attention on Ilocano children. It is because Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. But instead, there is more on modern dances.

With this kind of endeavor, Ilocano children may appreciate their rich culture and tradition. That is why this Festival is conducted.A lso on the opening day of the festival, a traditional ritual is performed by the students of Ilocos Sur.

This year, there are different contests that focus to the ability and skills of the students which include traditional tribal rituals, choir, traditional and folk dances. The Kannawidan Ilocos Festival encourages the younger generations to learn the indigenous songs and dances of the province of Ilocos Sur.


References:

<https://nboi.blogspot.com/2011/02/kannawidan-festival-of-ilocos-sur.html?m=1>

<https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/02/12/the-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023-street-dance-competition/>

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Hearts Day

Joyful

Valentines day is an occasion celebrated during the 14th of february, some people celebrate this day as a couple, friends, or as a family. Celebrating valentines day is not just for those people who have a partner, but also but also for all of us to enjoy and also celebrate it with our families, friends and all of our loved ones. By doing or giving simple things to them that makes them happy, and seeing them appreciate those things even in the simplest way can really make us happy, proud and make our heart's flatter. It shows that we truly value our love for them and that they can feel the importance of being loved by us. 


As we celebrate the valentines day, it's not just about

giving or receiving gifts from someone, it's about the love and genuine feelings that we show to them and how we treat them.




Remember, it is not necessary that we should always be the one who's always willing to be a giver. Our feelings needs to be reciprocated genuinely, and purely without the feelings of being unwanted.

It is important for us to understand the true meaning of this occasion, to significantly and deeply help us to dig deeper and to better understand why we should celebrate this kind of occasion every year. Going out with our families, friends and loved ones is one of the most important and happiest things you've ever experience and nothing can change the fact that we can feel enjoyment when we're around them.

References:
<https://www.istockphoto.com/illustrations/gift-giving>
<https://www.istockphoto.com/illustrations/family-dinner>
<https://www.alamy.com/calligraphy-phrase-happy-valentine-s-day-with-hearts-vector-valentines-day-hand-drawn-lettering-heart-holiday-sketch-doodle-design-valentine-card-love-decor-for-web-wedding-and-print-isolated-illustration-image231174989.html>

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

A tiring, yet awesome journey :)

Let's recap...


During the third quarter, I learned a lot in ict, I also discovered a lot of different tags especially in html frames, nested list, ordered list, unordered list and many others, as well as community-based research or CBR. I learned a lot in cbr, like helping my group to make code for our homepage in our research, I know I struggled a little bit and it was not that easy to fix the codes because we had to do research just to fix our little coding problems but we managed it as a team.

One of the problems or challenges I faced was managing my time at school such as doing research and at the same time the piles of assignments or reviewing for our quiz the next day, I had a hard time figuring it out. For instance, another part of my problems in ict while doing our research was sacrificing going to my classmate's house for a few days to finish our research early even though at that time I was feeling tired. But in those days, I knew I had to do that for my studies and to improve my grade.


Even though I went through that, I overcame it with dedication and being a responsible student. I learned that having time management is very important and helped me a lot to overcome the challenges I faced in the third quarter.


Moving on, I will try my best to improve what I learned in the third quarter and I will try to expand my knowledge so that I can learn more and sharpen my mind. Because I know that in the future I can use them to help me in what I do, I also learned that the problems and challenges in life strengthen our will to keep fighting.


That's all about my 3rd quarter journey! ;)


References:
 <https://www.scalenut.com/blogs/html-codes-list>
 <https://www.facebook.com/CentreForCommunityBas  edResearch/>
 <https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/time-management>

Welcome the Year of the Snake!

 
Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a cornerstone celebration in Chinese culture. It marks the start of the lunar calendar, which follows the moon's cycles. This vibrant tradition has inspired similar festivities across Asia, including Korea's Seollal, Tibet's Losar, and the Ryukyu New Year in Japan.

Chinese New Year 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Earth Snake. The celebration traditionally lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Families gather to honor ancestors, enjoy festive meals, and partake in customs that symbolize good fortune, health, and prosperity.


In 2025, expect vibrant dragon and lion dances, temple ceremonies, and fireworks to light up the celebrations, especially in Chinese communities worldwide. Whether in China or abroad, the holiday is a time for reflection, renewal, and reconnecting with loved ones.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in the Philippines largely due to the significant presence of the Chinese-Filipino community and the enduring cultural ties between the two nations. This festive occasion not only acknowledges the vital contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community but also strengthens cultural understanding and unity.

Over the years, Chinese New Year in the Philippines has become a unique blend of Chinese traditions and Filipino customs. Practices such as dragon and lion dances, giving red envelopes (ang pao), and preparing symbolic dishes have been embraced by Filipinos, reflecting shared values of family, prosperity, and community. This celebration serves as a shining example of cultural harmony and mutual respect, showcasing the richness of diversity in Filipino society.

References:
<https://www.twinkl.co.th/event/chinese-new-year-in-the-philippines-2025>

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Exploring the history of vigan (blog #3)

Vigan, Then & Now.


Vigan is the finest place in the Philippines where time has stood still as it brings you back to the Spanish era with its every exquisite architecture. History and culture lie beneath each of those brick cream and gray walls that have been carefully preserved and maintained. It has been the living proof of Spanish colonialism which has withstood wars and climatic occurrences since 16th century. It was home for chivalrous heroes of the Philippine history. Diego and Gabriela Silang were probably the most notable among them. 

Facing the South China Sea, Vigan was an island which was formerly separated from the mainland. Three rivers surround the island: the Abra River, the Govantes River, and the Mestizo River. It is named after the giant taro trees called "Bigaa" which are common along the riverbanks of the Mestizo River. The Spanish conquistador Juan De Salcedo was the one who named the place. It is a nine-hour bus ride north of Manila. The trip may be a little tiring but

witnessing the serenity of the roads to Vigan and the city itself will definitely ease the boredom brought by the stretch. There a lot of things to see in its ever corner that will make all cameras stand by for a number of pictures to be taken. The fifth class city does not only boasts its sturdy historical edifices and houses but also its amusing feasts and celebrations, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, exotic delicacies, and remarkable attractions. It is home to the Philippine's best-tasting longganisa, bagnet, and empanada that will surely leave you wanting for more.

Local and foreign experts describe Vigan as a "place like no other". Its uniqueness lies in its historic townscape which is an architectural blend of Asian, European and Latin American influences. Being the only surviving colonial town in the country, Vigan has more strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters). 

Located in the Northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila and includes area of the China Sea as a buffer zone on the western side of the town.

Vigan, earlier known as" Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu. How and why it has survived the wrath of war is a fascinating story on its own.


Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, calesas and friendly faces peering out of large windows; a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still unfamiliar about Vigan.

The name came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" abounds. Biga is a tuberous plant (alocadia indica) that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

Vigan was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. It is situated at the delta of the Abra River (now the Mestizo and Govantes Rivers) going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river most probably afooded its existence as it was a fluvial harbor connected to the China Sea, making trade possible with other islands and with China.

Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List on December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan.

References:

https://www.scribd.com/document/355157829/Vigan-City

<https://filmphilippines.com/locations/vigan-ilocos-sur>

<https://travelphotodiscovery.com/must-see-vigan-tourist-spots-ilocos-sur/>

<https://bluedreamer27.com/exploring-ilocos-vigan-by-night-the-dancing-fountain-of-plaza-salcedo-and-calle-crisologo/>


Thursday, January 9, 2025

This time next year, I'll be livin' so good~ (blog #2}

 A new chapter?


As the new year begins, I am committed to embracing positive change and personal growth. The start of a new year offers a fresh slate, and I am determined to make the most of it by becoming a better version of myself. I have reflected on my past habits and choices, particularly in me, being in my lover girl era. I've realized that I've often found myself chasing after connections where my feelings weren't reciprocated, leading to disappointment and heartache. I'm now accepting the fact that I will no longer chase people who consistently give me mixed signals or lead me on. I've learned that engaging in prolonged 'talking stages' without clear commitment or reciprocation only leads to disappointment and heartache. From now on, I will move on from situations where my feelings aren't reciprocated and prioritize my own peace of mind and focus on building a fulfilling life for myself. This year, I'm making a conscious decision to prioritize my own well-being and no longer pursue anything that is connected to loving someone that leave me feeling undervalued or unfulfilled. I have learned my lesson that if they really want you, they will make it clear for you, i swear. For now, I'm choosing my peace of mind and focusing on myself more this year.



One of the key areas I plan to improve is my personal habits and discipline. In the past, I have struggled with procrastination and inconsistent routines. This year, I am committed to managing my time more effectively by creating daily schedules and setting realistic goals. I will prioritize productivity by limiting distractions and staying focused on tasks that contribute to my personal growth. Developing these habits will not only help me achieve academic success but also build a stronger work ethic, empowering me to achieve my personal and professional goals.

Another essential aspect of my self-improvement journey is focusing on my health and well-being. I understand that physical health plays a significant role in personal success. Therefore, I will commit to regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep habits. Additionally, I plan to focus on my mental health by practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques. Taking care of both my body and mind will give me the energy and clarity needed to stay motivated throughout the year and navigate the challenges that come my way.

This year, I am also determined to strengthen my relationships with family and friends. I will make a conscious effort to communicate more openly, show appreciation, and be present in my interactions. By improving my relationships, I can build a stronger support system and create meaningful connections. Being kinder, more patient, and understanding will help me become a better person in my community and foster deeper, more fulfilling connections with those I cherish.

This year, presents a perfect opportunity for me to change and improve. I am committed to developing better habits, prioritizing my health, and nurturing positive relationships. This journey of self-improvement will not always be easy, but I am determined to stay consistent and focused. With each step forward, I will become a stronger, wiser, and more positive version of myself. New year, new me – and I am ready to embrace it.

A reminder that you deserve a life that fills your soul with joy, don't settle for anything less ;)

(Normal Girl- Sza)
This time next year, I'll be livin' so goodWon't remember no pain, I swear.






WE Unite, Futures Bright!

Fair Frame  "WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society" – that's the theme for Women's Month, and it really made me ...